Hepatic triacylglycerols and plasma non-esterified fatty acids and albumin levels in cross breed cows in Ahvaz City of Khuzestan Province of Iran: An abattoir study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the hepatic triacylglycerols (TAG) and total lipid and plasma Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) and albumin in cows in different stages of productivity slaughtered at Ahvaz abattoir. So, a total of 203 blood and liver samples were collected from the indigenous hybrid cows immediately after being slaughtered at the abattoir. The cows were divided into 4 groups according to their pregnancy statuses: 1-8 months pregnant, 8-9 months pregnant, less and more than 1 month of parturition. Percentage of TAG and Total Lipids (TL) were measured in the liver and NEFA and albumin were measured in the blood circulation. All the liver samples in this study showed some degrees of fatty infiltration. The accumulation of fat in the liver rose significantly (p<0.001) during the first month after parturition and returned to the same level of pregnancy after one month. We also noticed that plasma NEFA concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the first month of parturition and serum albumin level relegated to its lowest level (p<0.05) in the last month of pregnancy. These results reveal that fatty liver is quite common in all the animals in the region especially in their early lactation. These findings indicate the necessity of reconsideration in the animal's food policies in the area and some especial approaches during the early phase of lactation. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.